Is there a difference between Indica, Sativa and Hybrid?

Whenever you browse for purchasing cannabis strains at a dispensary or shop online, you may notice cannabis strains are commonly divided into three distinct groups: Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid. But have you ever thought, is there any difference among them? If not, we will discuss how each type of cannabis extract is different from others.

Generally, marijuana consumers think that Indica strains are typically associated with physically relaxing properties, means it provides deep relaxation and reduces insomnia, and Sativa strains are known for their energizing and invigorating effects, which enhance your mood and go well with physical activity, social gatherings, and creative projects, but Hybrid strains are considered as the mix of both the Indica and Sativa effects.

‘Indica’ and ‘Sativa’ are known as the two main forms of cannabis, they are used for a number of medicinal and recreational purposes also.

But these are their limited effects, it seems these marijuana strains have more in common than previously thought.

In simple words, you can say that the category, or type, of cannabis, may not be the greatest indicator of the effects you’ll experience.

As per the data of many research, in each strain, chemical compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes are found, which determine the effects you’ll feel, not whether it’s an Indica, Sativa, or hybrid.

So, Let’s see, from where ‘Indica’, ‘Sativa’, and ‘Hybrid’ actually come from, and how a cannabis strain’s chemical profile interacts with your unique body to make you feel effects.

Now, you have to know that the effects of Indica and Sativa, totally depend on the composition and the growing technique used in each marijuana strains. Strains are distinguished by their cannabinoid and terpene content.

So, before jump into the ‘Indica’ and ‘Sativa’, we would like to discuss the chemical compounds of the marijuana strains.

Two chemical compounds like Cannabinoids and Terpenes are found in each type of weed strains, Let’s discuss one by one.

Cannabinoids

Cannabis plants contain dozens of chemical compounds called cannabinoids. These components are responsible for producing many of the effects, it may positive or negative.

Researchers still don’t get the actual data, what all of the cannabinoids do, but they have noticed two main ones- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD)- as well as several less effective compounds.

These compounds are:

• THC- THC is the most important psychoactive compound in cannabis plants. It’s liable for the invigorating or state of relaxation which is associated with the use of cannabis extracts. Levels of THC has been increasing as growers try to create hybrids with a higher concentration of the compound.
• CBD- CBD is a non-psychoactive compound, it doesn’t cause a “high”, and provides many physical benefits, such as reducing pain, nausea, preventing seizures, and relieving migraines.
• CBN- Cannabinol (CBN) is used to ease symptoms and side effects of neurological conditions such as seizures, epilepsy, and uncontrollable muscle stiffness.
• THCA- Tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA) is very much alike to THC, but it doesn’t cause any psychoactive effects. It helps in reducing the inflammation from arthritis and autoimmune diseases. It may also help in reducing symptoms of neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease and ALS.
• CBG- Cannabigerol (CBG) helps in reducing anxiety and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression.

Terpenes

Terpenes are another naturally existing compound in the cannabis plant, but it is also as impactful as cannabinoids. Terpenes also contain different compounds such as:

• Bisabolol- This terpene compound helps in reducing inflammation and irritation. It may also have microbial and pain-reducing properties.
• Caryophyllene- This is a spicy type of compound that help to reduce anxiety, improve ulcers and ease symptoms of depression
• Linalool- it relaxes and boosts the mood with its floral notes.
• Ocimene- This terpene compound produces notes of basil, mango, and parsley. Its primary effects may include easing congestion and warding off viruses and bacteria.
• Pinene- As per its name, this terpene compound has an intense pine aroma. It may help in reducing pain, boosting memory, and ease symptoms of THC, like nausea and coordination problems.
• Terpinolene- Cannabis with this compound may smell like apples, cumin, and conifers. It may have sedative, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
• Bright, zippy citrus notes come from this terpene. It’s said to improve mood and reduce stress.
• This terpene is deeply earthy and woody, like hops or cloves. Cannabis strains with this molecule may reduce inflammation.
• With notes of eucalyptus and tea tree oil, this molecule is refreshing and invigorating. It may also reduce inflammation and fight bacteria.

Now, we come to our topic, the difference between Indica and Sativa. Let’s discuss one by one:

What is Indica?

• Origin: Mainly, the origin of Cannabis Indica is Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Turkey. The plants have mainly found in the harsh, dry, and turbulent climate of the Hindu Kush Mountains.
• Plant Explanation: Indica plants are short in height and sturdy with bushy greenery and thick leaves that grow wide and broad. The growing capacity of this plant is more than Sativa, and each plant has more buds producing capacity.
• The ratio of CBD and THC: if we talk about the ratio of CBD and THC in Indica, The ratio of CBD is higher than THC.
• Indica Effects: The more common effects which are associated with Indica strains are consumers feel relaxed, happy, euphoric, and sleepy. It is recommended for consumption at night because it has relaxing properties. It may also reduce nausea and pain and increase appetite.
• Popular Indica Strains: There are many Indica strains to try, but some among them are more popular
• Hindu Kush
• Afghan Kush
• Granddaddy Purple
• Purple Punch
• White Rhino
• Bubba Kush
• Blueberry
• Northern Lights
• Grape Ape
• Blue Cheese

What is Sativa?

Origin: The origin of Cannabis Sativa is in hot, and dry climates like in Africa, Southeast, Central America, Asia, and western portions of Asia.

Plant Description: Sativa plants are tall but thin and have finger-like leaves. They can grow taller than 12 feet, and they also take more time to become mature than other types of cannabis.

The ratio of CBD and THC in Sativa: in Sativa, the ratio of CBD is less than THC.

Effects of Sativa: The more common effects of Sativa strains, you feel happy, euphoric, uplifting, and energetic. It also helps in reducing stress or anxiety, and many consumers enjoy Sativa to sharpen focus and boost creativity or motivation. It is suggested to consume Sativa in the daytime, to keep yourself productive, creative, and focused.

Popular Sativa Strains:

There are many Sativa strains that you can try, but some are more popular, like:

• Durban Poison
• Acapulco Gold
• Panama Red
• Sour Diesel
• Green Crack
• Jack Herer
• Strawberry Cough
• Amnesia Haze
• Super Silver Haze
• Super Lemon Haze

What are Hybrids?

Cannabis growers, produce new and different types of strains by combining different strains from their parent plant, and Hybrids are one of them. They are produced from both Indica and Sativa parents’ plants. These Hybrids are often grown to target specific effects.

Origin: Hybrids are generally grown on farms or greenhouses by combining India and Sativa strains.

Plant Description: The appearance of hybrid strains depends on the combination of parent plants.

The ratio of CBD and THC: Different types of Hybrids have a different ratio. But usually, the ratio of THC is more than CBD.

Hybrid Effects: As you know that Hybrid effects are the combination of Indica and Sativa strains, that’s why their effects can also be the mix up of both Indica and Sativa strains.

Common effects that feel after consuming hybrids are happy, uplifting, energetic, relaxing, and happy. It depends on which hybrid you consume and what effects its ‘parent’ strains are known to produce. It also helps in mitigating anxiety and stress to ease symptoms of chemotherapy or radiation.

Popular Hybrid Strains

There are lots of hybrid strains are available on the market, but some popular hybrids are:

• Pineapple Express
• White Widow
• OG Kush
• GSC
• Gelato
• Blue Dream
• GG4
• Wedding Cake
• Trainwreck

How To Choose a Strain?

Whenever you are going to buy a cannabis strain, you should keep some suggestions in your mind, that will help in choosing the right strain:

• Shop for a specific experience or effect

Before shopping for any cannabis strains, you will have to think, what type of experience you want, like, you want to relax or energetic, use these terms on the website when you browse for purchasing. It will help you in choosing the right strain.

• Don’t Start with “I Want to buy Indica or Sativa”

Remember that not all Indicas or Sativas are sleepy and heavy, and not all Sativas are encouraging and invigorating. So, always shop according to your mood and effect, you’re either trying to achieve or want to avoid.

• Know your tolerance level

Nowadays, the cannabis strains have become a real THC powerhouse, because of the advancements in producing and cross-breeding. Generally, the strains that are available at your local dispensary shop are quite effective, and if your tolerance is not used to high THC levels, you may have a negative, uncomfortable experience after consuming them. So, always go with a lower THC percentage, if you want to get the right level for you.

• Consult With Your Healthcare Provider

If you are going through an existing medical condition or are taking any medication, you should consult with your healthcare provider before trying any cannabis strains. They may suggest you the right complement according to your current medical or health regimen.

 

Indica vs. Sativa FAQs

There are lots of resources available online, to know about the cannabis types, their differences, their effects, and more. But still, there are lots of questions that come to the mind of cannabis strains consumers, Below are answers to these questions about Indica and Sativa marijuana.

Is there any difference between Indica and Sativa?

No, there is not any difference between Indica and Sativa, but their effects may differ.

What is Indica used for?

Indica strains are used for medicinal and recreational purposes and treat the health conditions like insomnia, inflammation, and anxiety.

Does Indica Make you relaxed or sleepy?

Usually, after consuming indica, you feel relaxed and sleepy. Due to this reason, it is suggested to consume Indica at the night.

Does Indica give you a body high?

Some Indica strains are known for delivering heavy body highs.

Will Indica turn my eyes red?

There is no such evidence, that can prove, Indica turn your eyes red or not.

What is Sativa used for?

Sativa strains are also used for medicinal purposes and are believed to treat conditions like anxiety, depression, and pain.

Does Sativa give you energy?

There is no scientific evidence available, that can prove sativas give you energy, they only uplift your mood.

Does Sativa give you a body high?

In general, Sativa may give you a body high, but still more research is needed on this topic.

Will Sativa Keep You up at night?

Smoking sativa likely won’t keep you up at night.